Simply so, are free apps really free?
Many 'free' apps are actually 'freemium'Many free apps don't cost anything up front. But like a drug dealer, it is only that first hit that's free. In order for the program to be actually useful, many programs will force you to pay money to get the really useful features they offer. The very basic function is free.
One may also ask, how do you know if apps cost money? While installing the application from Google Play Store you see a green 'Install' button on the app, which means that the app is free, though it might include some in-app purchases, as per the features. On the other hand, when the green button has a cost marked on it, it means that it is a paid app.
In this manner, does get mean the app is free?
Peruse the digital wares of the OSX or iOS stores, and you might notice a peculiar change: All of the apps previously labeled as "free" now say "get." It's a pretty small change that has no real impact on us users. "Get" apps are still free, and the apps themselves haven't changed either.
Why are there free apps?
A free app means that it has a near zero user acquisition barrier, since the user doesn't have to provide payment information up front, or that they are not presented with any perceivable cost.